Many Bowling Green officials believe they have found the perfect formula for sidewalk snow removal. While
sidewalks plus snowfall equals slippery conditions and force walkers into the streets, they found that
homeowners subtracting $50 from their wallets when they fail to shovel their own snow added up to better
compliance.
However, one councilman said Tuesday evening that the formula was unevenly enforced, sometimes penalized
homeowners who made attempts to clear their sidewalks, and may even force some older residents to take
chances to avoid being billed.
Councilman Terry Dunn suggested that in order to make the system more fair, the city consider placing a
property tax on the ballot to collect revenue for sidewalk snow removal.
"I don’t know if the public will support it or not," Dunn said. But the councilman explained
that he received complaints from citizens who felt they have made "good faith efforts" to
clear their walks after snowfalls, only to later receive a bill.
"It’s causing a lot of harsh feelings," he said. "I think it leaves a rather sour taste.
I’d like an opportunity to put it before the voters to see if they would support it."
Not only would the property tax ensure fair sharing of the costs, but it would also mean consistently
clear sidewalks throughout the community, he said.
"You could walk safely in the city," Dunn said.
But others on council felt the present formula was working just fine. Putting a property tax on for
sidewalk snow removal is "way too much government, way too much taxation," said Councilman
Robert McOmber. The current system is working pretty well now that the rules are being enforced, he
added.
"It’s not perfect, but it’s working pretty good," McOmber said.
Councilman Mike Frost also stood behind the current system, saying that a property tax supported program
would require every contractor to be called out after a snowfall.
The current city ordinance requires homeowners to clear snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours after a
snowfall has stopped. Brian Craft, director of public works, said the city previously tried making phone
calls and knocking on doors to ask homeowners to shovel their walks. However, there were limited
results. The threat of a $50 charge has been much more effective at getting walks cleared, he said.
The ordinance is enforced on a complaint basis, or when unshoveled walks are noted by city code
enforcement workers. Since more emphasis is put on areas near schools, where children may have to walk
in streets to avoid snow-covered walks, those areas are often targeted more by enforcement.
So far this winter, 163 walks have been cleared by contractors and billed to homeowners. Only three or
four of those were repeat offenders, Craft said.
Craft has heard all kinds of complaints from landowners explaining why they are unable to shovel – with
one of the more recent excuses from a man who said his shovel was stolen.
"I’ve told people there is no appeal process," Craft said. "It’s a slippery slope."

However, some exceptions have been made for people with family funerals or those with documented physical
ailments.
"We’re not trying to be heavy handed," Craft explained.
And homeowners are always given a minimum of 24 hours to get the work done themselves.
"We’ve always tried to err on the side of caution," he said. "We never send anyone out
before 24 hours."
Dunn questioned why warning letters or calls are made to landowners prior to their overgrown lawns being
cut by contractors – yet no notice is given before contractors are sent out to shovel walks.
Councilman Mike Aspacher said it would be unrealistic to contact individual homeowners about shoveling.

"I think the city is being patient and proactive," Aspacher said.
McOmber added that unshoveled walks are a safety issue that shouldn’t wait on notices.
"The urgency is greater," he said.
Council President John Zanfardino agreed that notice has been given.
"Everyone should know this by now. This is the third winter we’ve had this," he said.